In Defense of the Nation

Plot

In Defense of the Nation follows the tragic story of Elsa and Alexis, a young couple deeply in love and engaged to be married, whose lives are suddenly torn apart when war is unexpectedly declared between their two neighboring countries. As the conflict erupts, Elsa and Alexis find themselves on opposite sides of the brutal war, forcing them to make the heartbreaking decision to call off their engagement. The film chronicles their separate experiences as they navigate the horrors of war, with Alexis serving in his country's military while Elsa remains in her homeland, dealing with the social and personal consequences of the conflict. Through their individual journeys, the story explores the devastating impact of war on personal relationships and the human cost of national conflicts. The narrative builds toward an emotional climax as both characters question whether their love can survive the divisions created by war and if they will ever reunite despite the seemingly insurmountable barriers between them.

Historical Background

1916 was a critical year during World War I, with Europe deeply entrenched in brutal conflict that had already claimed millions of lives. Denmark, while maintaining official neutrality, was profoundly affected by the war, facing economic challenges and political pressure from both sides. The film emerged during what is often considered the golden age of Danish cinema (1910-1920), when Danish films were internationally acclaimed and technically sophisticated. This period saw Danish cinema competing successfully with Hollywood and European productions, with Nordisk Film establishing itself as a major international studio. The war theme was particularly sensitive but also commercially viable, as audiences across Europe were living through the reality of conflict. The film's exploration of love divided by national boundaries reflected real situations faced by countless families and couples during WWI. The timing of the release, in late 1916, coincided with some of the war's most devastating battles, including the Battle of the Somme and Verdun, making the film's themes especially poignant for contemporary audiences.

Making Of

The production of 'In Defense of the Nation' took place during a pivotal moment in both Danish cinema and European history. Director August Blom, already established as one of Denmark's most accomplished filmmakers, brought his characteristic attention to psychological detail and visual sophistication to this war drama. The casting of Valdemar Psilander, Denmark's biggest male star of the era, was crucial to the film's commercial prospects. Psilander was known for his intense screen presence and ability to convey complex emotions without dialogue, making him perfect for the role of Alexis. The battle scenes were filmed on specially constructed sets at Nordisk Film's Valby studios, with the production team creating elaborate fortifications and using innovative techniques to simulate explosions and combat. The film's romantic elements were shot with particular care, as the chemistry between the leads was essential to the story's emotional impact. Behind the scenes, the production team worked under the constraints of wartime material shortages, which affected everything from film stock availability to set construction materials. Despite these challenges, Nordisk Film invested heavily in the production, recognizing both its artistic potential and commercial appeal in a market hungry for war-themed content that reflected the current European situation.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'In Defense of the Nation' was handled by some of Nordisk Film's most skilled camera operators, utilizing the studio's advanced equipment and facilities. The film employed sophisticated lighting techniques that were innovative for 1916, particularly in the romantic scenes between the leads, where soft lighting created an intimate atmosphere. The battle sequences used dynamic camera movements and multiple angles to create a sense of chaos and action, techniques that were still relatively rare in silent cinema. The contrast between the peaceful pre-war scenes and the harsh, stark lighting of the war sequences was carefully orchestrated to emphasize the film's thematic concerns. Close-ups were used strategically to highlight the emotional states of the characters, particularly in scenes featuring Psilander, whose expressive face could convey complex emotions without dialogue. The film's visual style reflected August Blom's reputation for technical excellence and artistic sophistication, helping establish Danish cinema's reputation for visual quality during this period.

Innovations

The film showcased several technical achievements that were advanced for 1916 Danish cinema. The battle sequences featured elaborate pyrotechnics and stunt work that created realistic combat scenes, using techniques developed through Nordisk Film's extensive experience with action films. The production employed sophisticated set construction techniques, creating detailed fortifications and war-torn landscapes that were remarkably convincing for the era. The film's use of location shooting combined with studio work demonstrated Nordisk Film's capability to blend different filming approaches seamlessly. The makeup and costume departments created authentic-looking military uniforms and period-appropriate civilian clothing that added to the film's realism. The editing techniques, particularly in the action sequences, showed a growing sophistication in pacing and rhythm that helped build tension and emotional impact. The film also featured advanced matte painting techniques for creating background landscapes, a specialty of Danish cinema during this period.

Music

As a silent film, 'In Defense of the Nation' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The typical Danish cinema of 1916 employed either a piano player or small orchestra to provide musical accompaniment. The score likely consisted of a mixture of classical pieces and specially composed music that matched the film's emotional tone. For the romantic scenes, popular waltzes and sentimental melodies would have been used, while the battle sequences would have featured more dramatic, martial music. The original musical cues and specific compositions used for this film are not preserved in historical records, as was common for silent era films. Some modern screenings of restored Danish silent films use newly composed scores that attempt to recreate the musical experience of the 1910s, often incorporating period-appropriate styles and instruments.

Memorable Scenes

• The emotional scene where Elsa and Alexis must part ways after war is declared, their final embrace captured in soft focus lighting
• The elaborate battle sequence showing the chaos and brutality of warfare, with hundreds of extras and sophisticated pyrotechnics
• The reunion scene where the lovers briefly meet across the border, separated by a fence that symbolizes their divided nations
• The opening sequence showing peaceful pre-war life, establishing the stark contrast with what follows
• The final scene where Elsa waits at the border, hoping for Alexis's return as the war ends

What Critics Said

Contemporary Danish critics praised the film for its emotional depth and technical sophistication, particularly noting Valdemar Psilander's powerful performance and August Blom's skilled direction. The newspaper Berlingske Tidende highlighted the film's timely themes and effective portrayal of war's impact on ordinary people. International critics, especially in neutral countries, appreciated the film's balanced approach to the war theme, avoiding overt propaganda while still conveying the tragedy of conflict. Modern film historians view the movie as an important example of Danish cinema's golden age, with particular appreciation for its mature treatment of complex emotional themes and its technical achievements in set design and cinematography. The film is often cited in academic studies of WWI cinema as an example of how neutral countries approached war themes in their film productions.

What Audiences Thought

The film was highly successful with Danish audiences upon its release in October 1916, drawing large crowds to cinemas across Denmark. The presence of Valdemar Psilander, who was immensely popular with Danish moviegoers, guaranteed strong attendance. Audiences were particularly moved by the romantic storyline and the realistic portrayal of war's impact on personal relationships. The film's themes resonated strongly with viewers who were experiencing the war's effects firsthand through family members and economic conditions. In international markets where it was distributed, particularly in neutral countries, the film found appreciative audiences who valued its humanistic approach to war themes. The emotional climax of the film reportedly moved many viewers to tears, a testament to the effective storytelling and powerful performances. The commercial success of the film helped cement Nordisk Film's position as a leading European studio during this period.

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